# They

This refers to the people who were there for the circumcision ceremony.

# made signs

"motioned." Either Zechariah was unable to hear, as well as speak, or the people assumed that he could not hear.

# to his father

"to the baby's father"

# how he wanted him to be named

"what name Zechariah wanted to give the baby"

# His father asked for a writing tablet

It may be helpful to state how Zechariah "asked," since he could not speak. AT: "His father used his hands to show the people that he wanted them to give him a writing tablet" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# writing tablet

"something on which to write"

# astonished

"very surprised" or "amazed"

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/johnthebaptist]]